Anna University

Anna University, established on 4 September 1978, is a premier institution offering programmes in Engineering, Technology, Architecture, Applied Sciences, and Management. It was formed by integrating four historic institutions in Chennai— College of Engineering Guindy (1794), Alagappa College of Technology (1944), Madras Institute of Technology (1949), and School of Architecture and Planning (1957), with CEG being the oldest technical institution outside Europe. The University has 36 departments, offering 32 under-graduate and 69 postgraduate programmes. Since becoming an affiliating university in 2011, it has overseen 457 affiliated colleges. The University is highly ranked, securing 2nd position in NIRF 2025 (State Public Universities), 9th in Innovation, 42nd in THE Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2025, 465th in QS World University Rankings 2026, NAAC A++ accreditation valid until 2030. Anna University has expanded global engagement and employability initiatives, signing 39 international MoUs and promoting skill-based programmes such as Naan Mudhalvan, Naalaiya Thiran, and Titan LEAP, benefiting all students. In research, Centre for Aerospace Research, developed and launched ANUSAT in 2009. The University leads Tamil Nadu with an h-index of 208 and 36,498 publications. It received the 2025 National R&D Award, with over 200 patents and 62 granted in 2024. Interdisciplinary research is strengthened through various research centres. Biomedical instrumentation park was developed in coordination with SIPCOT. Innovation is driven through AIC-AU, which has supported over 100 start-ups and commercialized 29 patents. Entrepreneurship Development Innovation Council coordinates multiple centres to promote innovation and research translation. Societal contributions include DGCA-certified drone pilot training to 542 trainees and several initiatives, water recycling, waste to energy, renewable Energy Integration etc have been taken for climatic change and sustainability. With strong placements involving 232 companies and sustainability efforts through SDG Accord, CANIE, and HESI, Anna University continues to excel in education, research, and societal impact.